Liz and the Blue Bird (リズと青い鳥)

Liz and the Blue Bird (リズと青い鳥) was released on 21 April 2018 in Japan, and today marks the 4th anniversary.

The movie is a side story of the Sound! Euphonium series, featuring Yoroizuka Mizore (oboe) and Kasaki Nozomi (flute) as the main characters. Directed by Yamada Naoko, with screenplay by Yoshida Reiko and music by Ushio Kensuke and Matsuda Akito, it is a stunning piece of work for its art, story, and music. You can see director Yamada's signature all over the work, with how it portrays the characters and using shots of their legs to convey emotions.

The story focuses on the relationship between Mizore and Nozomi, using the "fairy tale" of "Liz and the Blue Bird" to portray that relationship. There is a yuri element to it, but I think the portrayal of the relationship itself was meticulous in conveying the complicated feelings each had. At the end of the day, it is a story about learning to overcome dependence, to go out of your own comfort zone, and learn to seek something on your own.

This is a must-watch for anyone, not just fans of anime, because it tells a great tale. Anime is the medium; don't let that deter you. If you take it as just watching another movie, you will soon realise that a lot of anime films and series actually touch on many deeper issues; they are not made for kids, not like the cartoons of the West.

Official website (in Japanese)

 

 

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